Eastern Ontario Health Officer Advocates for Family Mealtime Benefits

Families today face numerous challenges due to modern lifestyles, often leading to fewer shared meals. Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, the Medical Officer of Health and CEO of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, emphasizes the significant benefits of prioritizing family dinners. In an interview with CTV Your Morning Ottawa, Dr. Roumeliotis urged families to make mealtime a regular occurrence, suggesting that even three to four dinners a week can have a positive impact.

Research highlights various advantages of family meals, particularly for children. Dr. Roumeliotis pointed out that children who dine with their families frequently experience a reduced risk of being overweight later in life and tend to perform better academically. “Eating together three times a week can actually be healthier for kids. They end up eating more vegetables and healthier foods, and they do better in school,” he said.

Relational benefits also come into play during family meals. Dr. Roumeliotis noted that mealtime allows children to destress, express their thoughts, and bond with family members, creating a supportive environment that can enhance their well-being. “It’s more purposeful. It’s more organized. It embeds a routine and trust, and that’s very important,” he explained.

Encouraging Family Mealtime

The Canada Food Guide supports Dr. Roumeliotis’ recommendations, urging families to share meals as often as possible. It advises against rushing through meals and encourages eliminating distractions such as televisions and electronic devices. “No distractions,” Dr. Roumeliotis stressed. “It has to be no phones, no screens, and turn the TV off. This applies to adults as well.”

Involving children in meal preparation is another valuable practice highlighted by Dr. Roumeliotis. While age-appropriate tasks can vary, engaging children in the kitchen fosters important life skills and strengthens family bonds. “These types of activities are very important in terms of bonding,” he added. “They teach kids lifelong habits.”

For parents of newborns, Dr. Roumeliotis advocates starting family meals early. He suggests that as soon as a baby can sit in a highchair, they should be included at the family table. “Bring the baby over to the table and eat together,” he advised, underscoring the importance of early family interactions.

By emphasizing the emotional and physical advantages of shared meals, Dr. Roumeliotis hopes to inspire families across Eastern Ontario and beyond to reconnect over dinner. As the health benefits become increasingly clear, the simple act of dining together may hold the key to fostering healthier, happier family dynamics.